ECO4 free solar

ECO4 Solar Panel Grant 2026

The Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) scheme funds energy-efficiency measures for low-income UK households — including solar panels in some cases. We're an MCS-certified installer registered with the ECO4 scheme; here's what's really covered in 2026.

Funding amount

Fully funded — typical 4 kW solar system value £6,500–£8,500 covered when eligible. Top-up sometimes required if home insulation work is also needed and exceeds the cap.

Eligible if

Receiving Universal Credit, Income-Based JSA, Income-Related ESA, Income Support, Pension Credit (Guarantee or Savings element)
Receiving Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit (with income below threshold)
Owner-occupier or private tenant with landlord permission
Property EPC rating D, E, F or G
Property has suitable south, east, or west facing roof (50%+ unshaded)

Not eligible if

Higher EPC rated properties (A, B, C) — already efficient
Council or housing association tenants without landlord agreement
Properties already with solar PV
Households not on means-tested benefits

Step by step

How the application works

Eligibility check

We confirm your benefit status (proof not required at this stage), property EPC, and roof suitability via remote LiDAR scan.

Survey + EPC verification

Free home survey. We pull your current EPC from gov.uk and confirm rating.

Funding application

We submit to a participating energy supplier (we work with British Gas, Octopus, EDF, OVO ECO4 obligations). Approval typically 2–4 weeks.

Install

MCS-certified install once funding confirmed. Typically 6–8 hours for a 4 kW system.

Hand-over

MCS certificate, SEG registration, app setup. We notify Ofgem of the funded install.

Frequently asked

FAQs

Is ECO4 still running in 2026?

Yes — ECO4 runs until 31 March 2026. ECO5 is consultation-stage and expected to launch April 2026 with similar eligibility. Apply now to avoid gap risk.

Do I have to pay anything?

For most ECO4 solar projects: no. Some cases require a top-up (typically £500–£1,500) when insulation upgrades are also needed and the funding cap is exceeded.

Can I add a battery under ECO4?

Battery storage is rarely covered under ECO4 directly. We can fit solar via ECO4 and add battery later as a separate (paid or financed) install.

What benefits qualify?

Universal Credit, Income-Based JSA, Income-Related ESA, Income Support, Pension Credit (Guarantee/Savings), and Working/Child Tax Credit (with income below £19,995 single or £30,000 couple).

Check your eligibility

10-minute phone call to confirm. No obligation if you're not eligible. We handle the application end-to-end.

Check Eligibility Call 0800 099 6606